Reviewed for current 2026 law
Delaware Child Support Calculator 2026
Run the current Melson Formula for primary placement and up to 163 annual overnights.
Reviewed by SupportDecode Editorial Team Page content reviewed Sources Methodology Update log
child support calculator
Estimated monthly child support: $1,295.26
The paying parent pays this amount to the receiving parent each month.
| Line item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paying parent net available after deductions and $1,600 self-support allowanceInstructions for Child Support Calculation, Form 509i (2026) (Delaware Family Court) | $3,400.00 |
| Paying parent share of primary support$1220 total primary allowance × 70.83%.Instructions for Child Support Calculation, Form 509i (2026) (Delaware Family Court) | $864.17 |
| Paying parent 17% SOLAInstructions for Child Support Calculation, Form 509i (2026) (Delaware Family Court) | $431.09 |
| Parenting-time credit at 0%0 overnights.Instructions for Child Support Calculation, Form 509i (2026) (Delaware Family Court) | $0.00 |
| Net obligation after 50% self-support protection and minimum orderInstructions for Child Support Calculation, Form 509i (2026) (Delaware Family Court) | $1,295.26 |
Assumptions
- The children primarily live with the receiving parent; the payer has no more than 163 annual overnights.
- Entered deductions already follow Form 509i. This base calculation assumes neither parent supports other dependents and excludes child care, tuition, special needs, and child health-insurance costs.
- At 164 or more overnights, use the official shared-placement calculation; this tool stops rather than approximating it.
Continue with this income in the PayDecode take-home calculator
PayDecode is a separate site. The link may not carry your numbers over; if its form opens blank, enter the income there again.
Estimate only. The court or state agency calculation controls.
Delaware guidelines, effective 2026-02-01.
Delaware protects parents first, then funds primary child needs and SOLA
The 2026 Formula subtracts allowed deductions and a $1,600 monthly self-support allowance from each parent income.
It assigns an $800 primary allowance for the first child plus $420 for each additional child, then applies a 12, 17, or 21 percent standard-of-living adjustment for one, two, or three children, with two points for each additional child.
Parenting time from 80 to 124 overnights earns a 10 percent credit; 125 to 163 earns 30 percent. Shared placement begins at 164 overnights.
Worked example: two children
- With $5,000 and $3,000 gross monthly income and no entered deductions, net available income is $3,400 and $1,400.
- The paying parent primary share is $864.17 and SOLA share is $431.09.
- With no parenting-time credit, estimated support is $1,295.26.
The steps above follow the calculation method described on our methodology page.
Enter deductions from Form 509i
Do not subtract the $1,600 self-support allowance yourself; the calculator applies it.
Use the official shared-placement worksheet at 164 or more overnights.
What this estimate includes
- 2026 self-support and primary allowances
- SOLA and high-income offset
- 0%, 10%, and 30% parenting credits
What it leaves out
- Shared placement at 164+ overnights
- Other-dependent adjustment
- Child care, tuition, special needs, and insurance
Delaware child support calculator FAQs
What is the Delaware Melson Formula?
It protects each parent basic needs, funds primary child needs, and then shares additional available income through SOLA.
What is the 2026 self-support allowance?
$1,600 monthly for each parent.
What is SOLA?
The standard-of-living adjustment gives children a share of income remaining after self-support and primary needs.
How do overnights change support?
The payer receives no formula credit through 79 overnights, 10 percent at 80-124, and 30 percent at 125-163.
What happens at 164 overnights?
Delaware treats the placement as shared and counts one-half child in each household; use the official shared worksheet.
Can the court deviate?
Yes. The Formula is a rebuttable presumption and the court may explain an unfair or inappropriate result.
Official sources
Official sources last verified: .
- Instructions for Child Support Calculation, Form 509i (2026)
Delaware Family Court Last checked
- Child Support Overview and Wage Attachments
Delaware Family Court Last checked
Changelog: page reviewed . Material changes appear in the update log.